Poems by Bryn Fortey

This evening I'd like to present British poet Bryn Fortey's poems.  Welcome to The Song Is..., Bryn!


LISTENING TO STAN KENTON ON CD


Noise that rat-tat-tats with the staccato precision
of programmed pandemonium

With the audacious pomp of someone able to write
the Concerto To End All Concertos

When Stan the Man plays
the Innovations Orchestra take no prisoners

Discord:
with style and panache

Disharmony:
with surrealist intent

Pure artistry:
playing tonight at Babel's Town Hall

Oh yes  -  Sweet Sweet Cacophony

Above Al McKibbon and soprano saxophonist Lucky Thompson perform at the Three Deuces in 1947.  The woman pictured is Hilda A. Taylor, a former Miss America and professional singer.  Thompson also played with Stan Kenton.


HORN


Another night
Another club
Another horn blowing
Recycled phrases
Into lost corners
The stale air itself
Expands
Contracts
Explodes in
Staccato misdemeanors
Of false idolatry
Stratospheric brass
Forcing hot excess
Into mass-produced
Hysteria

Another night
Another club
Another horn
The search goes on...


Bryn Fortey

Mr. Lucky (1991) is one of John Lee Hooker's later albums.

HEY THERE BLUES


Hypnotic baritone
Droning guitar
Tapping foot
Mighty mighty boogie-man
Hey there: John

From primal blues to hit parade
From plugged in electric to acoustic folk
Hey there: John Lee

Smooth mover
Smart operator
Never out of fashion
Master to all those white boy pretenders

Hey there: John Lee Hooker

Bryn Fortey

Stan Kenton's "Solitaire" is from his Innovations in Modern Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYKbEziQufE

I'm also including his "Coop's Solo," but he has much more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu50GBqg4jY

Lucky Thompson and his band play live in Paris here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MACQ1mr0TA0

His "Invitation" is from the Lucky Strikes album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkKneiZNNXs

I'll finish with some of John Lee Hooker's songs.  

You may recognize his collaboration with Carlos Santana on "The Healer": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7uRxbl0Jzk

Or you may prefer more classic blues:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOyj4ciJk34

In any case, enjoy!